The Gumball Rally

Say what you will about The Cannonball Run: it at least had a tank-full of star power. This 1976 clunker is top-lined by Michael Sarrazin and also stars Gary Busey, but the scene-stealer (so to speak) is Raul Julia as Italian racer Franco, a man who tears off his rearview mirror because what's behind him is not important. Franco constantly detours to seduce beautiful women he meets along the route of the eponymous race: a 2,900-mile trek from New York to the Queen Mary in Long Beach. There is only one rule—there are no rules. Viewer mileage will vary: car buffs will like the vintage autos and racing action, while others are likely to hit the brakes over the stereotypical portrayals of hapless hick policemen pursuing the racers. When it comes to cross-country car race movies, Vanishing Point and Two-Lane Blacktop leave this one in the dust. Optional, at best. (D. Liebenson)